General Information
Brand names and manufacturer
Type: OTC/Prescription/schedule
Pronunciation
Uses
What should I know before taking this drug
Precautions
Dosage information
Adverse reactions
Storage
Additional information if any
Chlorpropamide is a prescription drug available from your pharmacy store only with the prescription of a qualified medical practitioner.
Chlorpropamide is pronounced as: klor-PROE-pa-mide
Chlorpropamide is oral anti diabetic medication.
Chlorpropamide is used to treat type 2 diabetes (Non insulin dependent diabetes)
- Take chlorpropamide exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If do not understand these instructions ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.
- Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer duration than recommended by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking this medication unless advised by your doctor.
- Take the chlorpropamide with food.
Always remember to inform your health expert if you are currently taking any OTC or prescription drugs like
- Beta blockers ex: propranolol,
- Ace inhibitors ex: Enalapril,
- Barbiturates like phenol barbital as these may interact with chlorpropamide.
This may not be the complete list of drugs interact with chlorpropamide ask your pharmacist if any other drugs interact with this medication.
Do not take chlorpropamide if you are suffering from
- Severe liver or kidney disease or
- You are suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis
Children: Chlorpropamide should not be used in children.
Old people: Due to poor renal function in older people caution is advised for usage of chlorpropamide. Dosage adjustment may be required.
Pregnant woman: Chlorpropamide belongs to FDA pregnancy category C. This means that chlorpropamide may harm an unborn baby if used during pregnancy but potential benefit may warrant use of the drug in pregnant woman despite potential risks. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning for conception.
Lactating women: It is not known whether chlorpropamide passes into breast milk or if it could harm the baby. Do not take chlorpropamide with out first talking to doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.
Other: Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol decreases blood sugar level and increases the risk hypoglycemia.
Chlorpropamide is available in the form of tablet.
Use chlorpropamide as directed by your physician, your physician prescribes depending on the severity of disease.
Use the complete course of medication as prescribed by your physician even though you feel better after one or two days of usage of medication.
If it is almost the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take two doses of chlorpropamide at same time to cover up the missed dose.
In case of overdose contact your nearest poison control centre or emergency medical centre for immediate care by physician.
Over dosage of chlorpropamide cause hypoglycemic symptoms like
- Nausea, rapid heart beat, dizziness
The following are the side effects of chlorpropamide
If you experience any of the following side affects stop the chlorpropamide medication and consult your doctor immediately
- Sever vision problems,
- Severe dizziness, headache
- Fast heart beat,
- Fatigue
Store chlorpropamide at room temp (15 – 30 degrees C). Avoid excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight, never store in the bathroom.
Keep it out of reach of children. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed off safely.
- Proper diet and regular exercise are important to keep control normal blood sugar levels.
- It is advised to have the blood or urine glucose test to monitor the drug therapy.
- Symptoms of low blood sugar levels are
- Nausea, extreme hunger, rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, restlessness, anxiety, blurred vision
- Convulsions, loss of consciousness, coma and low body temp.
- Symptoms of high blood sugar levels are
- Excessive thirst, increased urination, increased hunger,
- Headache, confusion, blurred vision, weight loss, fatigue
- Viginal and skin infection, slow healing of sores, ulcers and cuts, Erectile dysfunction
It is imp to read manufacturing packaging instruction carefully if available and always do not hesitate to consult pharmacist or physician for any information.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: Apr 3, 2012